Starlink’s disruptive direct-to-cell service is accelerating its hold in the telecommunications market, putting mobile network operators under pressure to rethink their strategies or risk obsolescence.
Elon Musk’s internet company’s D2C technology, launched globally between 2024 and 2025, allows users with 4G and 5G smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites for text, voice, and data, bypassing terrestrial mobile networks.
Starlink’s meteoric rise already disrupted Nigeria’s fixed broadband sector, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet, making it the country’s second-largest ISP, with over 65,000 subscribers.
“It’s compatible with existing smartphones, direct from satellite, and unencumbered by terrestrial infrastructure. MNOs will need to start partnering with Starlink to provide bundled services to retain customers.”
Although satellite bandwidth currently lags behind 4G in certain areas, experts predicted the gap is narrowing quickly. With improving speeds and evolving devices, the telecom landscape is increasingly moving to space, forcing companies to adapt or fall behind.
Source: Starlink’s satellite-to-phone services pose new threat to telcos
